Rebekah Evans has been named the new executive director of the Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA). Evans will be responsible for overseeing efforts to attract tourists and business travelers to Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura, known as VenturaCountyWest.

Evans takes over from Gary Wartik, who held the executive director position since VCLA was formed as a Tourism Business Improvement District in 2011. "Gary did a fantastic job but we knew he could only be with VCLA on a part-time basis," says Victor Dollar, VCLA board chair and general manager at Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor. "Rebekah brings with her almost 30 years of non-profit and for-profit management and marketing experience. With her background, she knows what's necessary to enable the cities in VenturaCountyWest to capture more tourism dollars."

Evans was previously president/CEO of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, president/CEO of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce and vice-president of marketing/sales for Bridal Expo, Inc.

"I am truly excited to be part of VenturaCountyWest," says Evans. "Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura are already highlighting the beauty of their cities. Hotels are making sure that guests' wants and needs are being met." Evans plans to meet with VCLA members to ensure the organization is doing all it can to support member growth. "We are partners in this," she says.

Going forward, VCLA will be present at leisure, business and sports industry shows and will make a big push to connect through social media marketing. "We are already showcasing the wonderful secrets of the area with a top-notch advertising campaign," says Evans. "We want to do everything we can so people who travel know about us and be sure they are comfortable once they are here. Having lived in this community for 25 years, I'm beyond thrilled to now help share it with the world."

For more information about VenturaCountyWest, go to www.venturacountywest.com or www.facebook.com/venturacountywest